Health promotion is integral to the nurse's role. Increasing numbers of people in the UK are overweight or obese and are at increased risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Therefore, it is essential to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices. This article focuses on the role of food labelling in helping people to select appropriate and healthy foods, and to understand how their food choices might affect their overall nutrition and health. Healthcare professionals can help patients to understand the information provided on food labels and how to interpret this to ensure their nutritional needs are being met.